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May 15, 2013

Jacket Gone Wild...Me-Made-May

I am very guilty of starting sewing projects and never finishing them (UFOs).
Well mark this Crazy jacket off the list.

Last March I cut two versions of Simplicity 2056; view B in a hounds tooth and this view C.

Immediately I constructed the bodice of view C leaving the sleeves untouched. When constructing the bodice I began to become frustrated. Either I made the project too complicated or I am just that fickle.

How and why you ask?

The fabric I choose was a leopard print stretch cotton. Not at all outer jacket weight. To solve the problem I thought it would be a grand idea to line the jacket in a burgundy canvas. The jacket weight problem was solved but it made construction much more complicated. Like most Simplicity patterns, 2056 did NOT call for lining. It had large turned hem allowances which would have caused much too much bulk at the hem and cuffs with double canvas and cotton. Therefor before cutting my fabric I adjusted the hem allowances to 5/8 inch and then had to make continuous adjustments to the construction to create a clean inner garment.

Another challenge were those disregarded sleeves. They had a vent opening where an exposed zip was added. I stitched the lining to the outer sleeve from one side of the vent around the cuff to the other.

I then turned and pressed

After which I could add my zip. I was using vintage notions and my sleeve zips did not match my front zipper so I decided to add them to the inside of my sleeve in lieu of called for exposed zippers.

Although it was a long time in the making in the end I love my wild crazy jacket. I also added some plastic jems to the collar just to send it over the top. I know I will never be caught wearing the same jacket as anyone else.

Me-Made-May has taught me that I need more causal personally made garments.

I have so many dresses mainly for work but on a day off I am lacking Me-Made options.